Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are all taken aback by the events of the past couple of days, including the revelations in Limerick and what we heard on the radio this morning, as was referenced by the previous speaker. We are all shocked by all of this and everyone feels responsible and wonders what more can be done. We can all come in here and express our disappointment, annoyance and all of that, but we have to focus on what we can deliver.

Central to that, as has been mentioned by many other speakers, is a refuge for women who had to leave their home because of domestic violence or abuse, often sexual abuse, as well as domination and a whole range of things. There is no refuge in my county, Leitrim, or the surrounding counties. There is nowhere to go. There are no refuges in Cavan, Longford, Roscommon or Sligo.

There has to be a recognition that we signed up to the Istanbul Convention and ratified it in 2019. It states that there needs to be a refuge unit for every 10,000 women and girls over the age of 15. That would mean that, in respect of the counties I have mentioned, we would want to have about six units to cover that population. There is no sign of that happening. There is no sign of even half the level of commitment to deliver that coming from the Government.

We need to recognise the issue. The lack of refuge spaces is the reason so few come forward. It has been mentioned that over 40,000 women have come forward to Women's Aid to report domestic abuse and violent incidents, but that is only the tip of the iceberg. It is likely a multiple of that figure do not come forward because they do not feel supported, and that is what needs to change. A support mechanism needs to be put in place for people in these circumstances. Many rely on families and friends, and do not go near services because the story for everyone they know is that the service is diminished and does not work for many people.

It is the same when people deal with the justice system, for which the Minister has responsibility. Many women feel left out because of all of that. I acknowledge the work Minister has done and the plans she has put in place, but we have not yet seen delivery of that. We need to put our focus on making sure that happens.

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